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Google Affiliate Network and its Spyware

Jan 11, 2010
by

I got a new computer last week. I burned out yet another laptop. I seem to ride the curve of Moore’s Law.

In setting up my computer, I took the easy way to speed it up and downloaded the Google Pack for Windows 7. It includes Spyware Doctor with Anti-Virus by PC Tools. Cool. We all need protection from spyware.

I was sitting here working when my computer made the sound of an alarm. Uh oh, what’s wrong?!? Spyware Doctor with Anti-Virus is warning me about some serious threats on my computer. There are 22 infections categorized as Application, Tracking Cookies,  and one far worse Spyware, as well as Known_Bad_Sites. Are you ready for a chuckle? The bad site was cc-dt.com. Yep, Google had me download software that blocks the cookies from Google’s own Google Affiliate Network.

Stop the Madness

I know that some of the affiliate networks have tried to get their tracking cookies taken out of spyware. I certainly hope that Google will jump on the bandwagon and get PC Tools to remove the domains not only for its own network but also for other affiliate networks.

About David Lewis

David Lewis is the CEO and founder of 77Blue which operates online shopping websites. Prior to that, he worked in business development at GoTo / Overture. David was a product manager and accountant in past lives. In 2006, David won Commission Junction’s Horizon Award for Innovation and was a finalist for Linkshare’s Golden Link Award. You can find David on Twitter @thedavidlewis.

Twitter: thedavidlewis
Filed under: Adware, Spyware, Greynets, & Internet Fraud + Affiliate Marketing
  • http://davidlew.is David Lewis

    It looks like PC Tools removed cc-dt.com. Now I'm being warned about the evil connectcommerce.com. What's next, an evil cookie from google.com?